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Buda says OK to ATVs

BUDA — The Buda Village Board announced a new ordinance regarding ATV, UTV, and golf cart usage on village streets. The announcement was made at the council’s bi-monthly meeting Monday. The new village law goes into effect Nov. 1.

The ordinance will regulate such vehicles within village roads to ensure the safety of residents. Those who drive such vehicles will be required to obtain a yearly permit from the village police chief. Permits are $25 for the first year and $20 for subsequent years.

The ordinance does not pertain to roads outside the village limits. The ordinance will apply to village and non-village operators of such vehicles. The ordinance does not permit the usage of go-carts or Baja buggies and similar motorized vehicles. Motorized wheelchairs will not be affected by the ordinance.

The village decided to accept usage of the vehicles in response to requests from local residents, although Buda Police Chief Brent DeVenney said he has reservations about it. DeVenney said Neponset and Wyanet have already adopted similar ordinances. He added that a number of avid users are interested in creating trails for such vehicles between Neponset, Wyanet and Buda. Some local residents also pushed for the ordinance to help them cut down on gas expenses within the village limits.

The village police chief informed the board he expects safe operation of the vehicles and that driving under the influence will not be permitted.

“I expect residents to police themselves regarding this,” DeVenney said. “If residents see someone doing something wrong, they need to call it out before I have to get involved.”

He noted that operation of any motorized vehicle under the influence is punishable by a DUI. DeVenney said he hopes the ordinance will also cut down on mischievous activities by out-of-towners.

Registration forms to obtain the permits will be available at the village police station. DeVenney will also have forms in his police car.

In other business:

• DeVenney noted the Drug Take Back Program will occur Oct. 26. Neponset will not be involved this year.

• The village copier needs a $330 tune-up.

• Forms were signed to aid in the process of obtaining a grant from the USDA for the Water Treatment Project. A letter was received from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency stating the village’s water treatment plans were in compliance with regulations, and that the project can proceed.

• The council decided to look into updating or rescinding an existing code that would permit greater use of snowmobiles within village limits. The code would permit snowmobilers to operate on more streets. Currently only Main Street is open to snowmobile traffic in the winter months.

• A motion was approved to let sealed or competitive bids, if necessary, for a new village utility truck.

• The village received a monetary donation to pay for construction of a display case for recently received village artifacts. The donation was received following the board’s meeting last month. At that meeting Lisa Aber announced the receipt of the said artifacts and the need for a way to display them.

• The village plans on distributing hotdogs and popcorn to trick or treaters this Halloween.